Peter Borcherds January 11th, 2014
I’ve started tracklaying on the new boards. As you can see below, I have decided to add an exciting feature to relieve the boredom of the flat track on the rest of the layout. There will be a 3% grade rising to about 2.5in, then going back down to normal track level again. This will enable one track to go under the other one, easing the radius needed on this end of the layout. It will also enable me to run another track off behind the existing intermodal yard, at a height of 2.5in which will be the location of the new storage yard. I have yet to start designing this section, but hopefully I will be able to have 3 or 4 storage tracks and perhaps even a loco yard.
Here is one end of the 3% grade. The grade will level out where the second locomotive is and will run flat for a while, including a turnout (and possibly a crossing) which will run off to the storage yard on the right and will also include a small bridge which will go over the lower track. The grade will then start descending back down to the board level on the left. As you can see I am using the excellent Woodland Scenics gradient starters and risers – brilliant products…make adding a gradient so easy!
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The image below shows the lifting module (mechanism not added yet). This will be a tricky one as it will include track at angles and also track at a gradient – should be an interesting project!
I hope to have the gradient in place in the next two weeks – just a bit more design work to do first!
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Peter Borcherds December 9th, 2013
This weekend was very productive as I finally got to work on building new boards for the layout. I have now completed the 4 boards that join the two sections of the layout together. I just need to varnish them and attach adjustable feet, then they will be ready for tracklaying. The deadline? Christmas Day, as I promised my nephew he would be able to run trains then…!
I have also finished my workshop, with wall-mounted storage compartments so I can finally find all my tools and bits. To give you an example of why this was needed, while I was unpacking boxes filled with bits and pieces, I found 7 decoders I didn’t realise I had…! Now they are all in one box marked ‘N scale decoders’…! I have also put up my spray booth, with the hose going outside via a vent in the wall, meaning I don’t have to unpack the booth each time I want to spray something. All I now need to do is find space for the compressor and run a hose up to the side of the booth for the airbrush.
Finally, here is the completed room, complete with posters, railroad signs and my AP certificates. Now all that is missing is a heater for those cold winter days!
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Peter Borcherds March 30th, 2012
A long overdue update! My wife and I are now settled in our new house and have finished all the renovations, which means I can now concentrate on fitting out the garage. I am planning on insulating it and installing lighting & a decent floor.
The garage is 19ft by 12ft, so a decent amount of space. Unfortunately not long enough to have the layout up in its full configuration, but I am working on a track plan which will add in two more corners and – hopefully – a yard, which will finally enable me to factor in proper operations. I’m also looking into the possibility of…wait for it…building a multilevel layout!
As I am no longer taking Rochelle Intermodal to exhibitions, I am going to look into a cantilever system to hang the layout from the wall, allowing for (removable) storage underneath, allowing for access if needed to the underneath of the boards. As the weather warms up I can get started on the garage, but in the meantime I’m trying to see what I can work out with the track plan.
So, keep an eye out for further updates in the coming months.
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